SYDNEY TRANSPORT

HOW TO GET AROUND SYDNEY

Transport and getting around Sydney

We know that finding the best way around Sydney can be a daunting task. So we recommend, wherever possible, using Sydney's excellent, convenient and economical public transport system to get around the whole of Greater Sydney.

Light RailServices from Central Station to Paddy's Market, Darling Harbour, The Star, Fish Markets and the inner western suburbs.

Sydney Trains provide services around the CBD and across metropolitan Sydney with connections to regional and interstate service provided by NSW TrainLink

Sydney Trains provide a very handy brochure which you can get from any Sydney railway station. The brochure has maps, details of phone apps, how to plan your trip, ticketing and information about public transport in NSW.

Phone Apps

Here is a selection mentioned in the Sydney Trains brochure:TripGoShows door to door transport options across metro Sydney.TriptasticShows you where you can go from your current location and has information about the next available service.TripViewLets you view the next time for your bus, train or ferry trip and has an off line timetable viewer.Arrivo SydneyLets you view where you train or bus is, where nearby bus ticket sellers are and you will alert you when you are getting close to your stop.TransitTimes+A trip planner with offline timetables, service alerts and wheelchair accessibility info. As well as Sydney timetables are available for over 70 cities across Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.

Accessible services

TrainsAll new station and trains are wheelchair accessible. However some older stations may not have what you need so check first by going to www.transportnsw.info All stations have platform to train boarding ramps however it is best to left the station staff know before hand.

GeneralMany of Sydney's attractions are easy to visit if you have a disability or need assistance. To avoid disappointment it is best to plan ahead and you can find out more by going to www.sydneyforall.com

Sydney Trains Ticketing

There are three general ticketing options as well as specials for family travel on Sundays and for pensioner and senior excursions.

Options are the Opal card (see below), MyTrain tickets available for single, return and off-peak train services etc. and My Multi for when you travel on more than one mode of public transport. For example a train and the a ferry, or bus then a train.

Where to buy tickets

You can purchase Opal cards online on on the phone (see below).

MyTrain tickets are available from from the station ticket office or a ticket vending machine. (All tickets are being phased out)

Opal Cards

This is the electronic ticketing system for use on all forms of public transport in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands and are replacing all tickets.

It's like a debit card. You load it with funds and use it whenever you travel.

Tap your Opal card at the start of your trip on the Opal card readers at train stations, ferry wharves, on buses and at light rail stops. At the end of your trip tap off on a reader and the system automatically deducts the correct fare from the balance of your card. tap on and off at the Opal Card readers.

Tip: Make sure you tap off or you could use up all your funds.

We think Opal Card is the easiest way to pay for fares and to travel around Sydney.

There are 3 general cards coloured bronze and blue for adults, green for child/youth and silver for concession. Plus the seniors and pensioners card is gold.

To purchase or topup Opal cards and to find out more phone 13 67 25 or go to www.opal.com.au 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also go to one of the 1,650 Opal card retailers and a full list is at www.retailers.opal.com.au

Airport Station Access Fee

There is station access fee of $13 (concession $11.60) on top of your normal fare, each time you use the Domestic and International Airport stations. For example you will need to add $26 for a return trip to your normal fare.

Please note trains that go to the airport stations do not have any special facilities for passengers with luggage so you may have difficulties during busy times.

Flying into Sydney

All domestic and international flights into Sydney arrive at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport at Mascot in Eastern Sydney. The fastest way to get to and from Sydney Airport and the Sydney CBD is by Airport Link train, and then connect by rail, bus or ferry to the whole of Sydney. www.airportlink.com.au Sydney Airport Flight Information and Parking Tel: (02) 9667 9111 www.sydneyairport.com.au

Taxi Services

TAXIS NSW recommends you book a taxi through the accredited networks, so that if there is any difficulty or you leave property behind, it is much easier to trace your particular cab and driver. Or use a regular taxi rank which are clearly signposted in major centres. To hail a taxi, raise your arm to signal the driver. Online list of taxi networks www.nswtaxi.org.au/passengers/bookATaxi

Local Advice - Visitor Information Centres

Driving around Sydney

Sydney is the Capital City of NSW and, as the home to nearly 5 million people, it is the most populous in Australia. No wonder that visitors driving into and around Sydney can be daunted by its size and, due to its topography and geography, very complex road network.

Sydney's Motorways

OUR ADVICE. Wherever possible stay on the motorways and main arterial roads. Despite the tolls visitors will find that it is the quickest, easiest, safest and most efficient way of getting into, around or through Sydney.

HOW TO PAY SYDNEY'S MOTORWAY TOLLS.If you use a toll road without a tag or pass DON'T PANIC! Just get an eMU PASS from a NSW Motor Registry, or from a participating petrol station or convenience stores. Or phone 13 18 65 or go site. Fines apply for non-payment of tolls. Interstate visitors can use Interstate e-tags on NSW toll roads. It's a simple way to pay your tolls for up to 30 days without requiring a tag. Applies to RENTAL VEHICLES which are not already equipped for toll travel.

An electronic tag or pass is required to travel Southbound on the SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE AND TUNNEL. Both are cashless and the toll you pay depends on the time of day you cross. Toll is cheapest outside peak hours and on weekends.

Roadside Assistance

EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NRMA 13 1111 www.mynrma.com.auYou need to be a member, or join on the spot when you require roadside assistance. Or use your interstate membership of an affiliated association.